Little Giant Ladder v. Gorilla Ladder v. Werner Multipurpose Ladder
If you’re looking for a multipurpose ladder there are many choices. To make finding the right ladder easier for you we’ve purchased and tested three of the markets best contenders. Our choices include the Little Giant, Gorilla, and Werner multipurpose ladders. To determine their overall performance we put the ladders to the test in three ways.
1. In the stepladder test we utilized the ladders in their stepladder function.
2. The ladders were tested fully extended on a wall.
3. All 3 ladders were extended across 2 sawhorses, and our tester attempted to walk across the ladder.
Let’s see how the 3 ladders faired.
Little Giant Ladder: Everyone’s heard of the Little Giant Ladder in part because they have used extensive marketing campaigns both on TV and over the Internet, but is it all it’s cracked up to be? Our testing found some basic problems with the ladder and its $320 price tag sure does prohibit a quick buy.
Test #1: The Little Giant works well as a stepladder. The rung locks are solid and easy to lock in place. However, it is a bit heftier than the other aluminum ladders.
Test #2: The Little Giant is a Type 1 ladder so when fully extended it feels a little flimsy. Our tester weighed 180Lbs and didn’t feel comfortable around or above the middle joint, which is a single layered hinge joint. However, the Little Giant could work for light duty tasks.
Test #3: After fully extending the ladder across two sawhorses our tester attempted to walk across the Little Giant. After 3 feet the tester jumped off, saying that he felt like it was going to snap.
Note: Remember that the Little Giant we tested was a Type 1 ladder with a max weight of 250Lbs. The other ladders we tested were both Type 1A ladders with max weights of 300Lbs.
Bottom Line: The Little Giant Type 1 ladder is a good stepladder. However, it is a little heavy, and its pricing is ridiculous even for the basic model. Buying a regular stepladder would save money, provide a lighter ladder, and offer the same stability.
Gorilla Ladder: The Gorilla Ladder is a Type 1A aluminum multipurpose ladder that has the same features as the Little Giant. It’s a shorter ladder, but its price tag of $99 makes its purchase easier to handle.
Test #1: The Gorilla ladder works well as a stepladder. It’s lightweight and is also quite stable. The rungs are welded and capped unlike the other two ladders. The one downside to the Gorilla ladder is its short height. It maxes out as a stepladder at 5 feet, which is all right for most household chores.
Test #2: When used as an extension ladder the Gorilla ladder is more stable than the Little Giant. Our tester was able to climb all the way to top and still feel fairly comfortable. The middle joint was a double layered hinge joint and seemed stronger. Again its height is limited to 11 feet extended which is the shortest of the tested ladders.
Test #3: When the Gorilla Ladder was placed across the sawhorse our tester found that it was stiffer than the Little Giant, probably because it’s a Type 1A. Our tester was able to walk across the entire ladder and also sit on it. The tester mentioned that it did feel sturdier, but still didn’t get a safe feeling when he stood on the ladder.
Bottom Line: The Gorilla ladder is a solid ladder that is also affordable ($99). In testing we found that it was steady, strong, and durable. It is harder to adjust the height of the Gorilla ladder than the Little Giant. This comes down to the bulkiness of the Gorilla ladder’s adjustable parts. If height is an issue, the Gorilla ladder can be bought in bigger sizes. Overall, the Gorilla ladder is a good multipurpose ladder for most household chores.
Werner Multipurpose Ladder: Werner’s multipurpose ladder is a solidly built Type 1A ladder system that is available in many sizes. In our experiment we decided to test the 22’ model, as it was taller than other models we had tested and was still reasonably priced at $209. Remember also, that the Werner ladder has an effective extension length of 22’ and is industrially rated as a type 1A ladder. The Type 1 Little Giant is shorter and more money. The Werner ladder is available in many sizes from 13’ to 26’. The 13’ model is similar to the Gorilla ladder and can be purchased for $99.
Test #1: The Werner ladder performs well as a stepladder and was stable up to its maximum height of 9’. The Werner ladders 1A rating is for both sides and allows two people to work on the ladder and allow it to be used for scaffolding as well.
Test #2: The Werner ladder posted solid results when used as an extension ladder, and allows the user to reach up to 22’. Even when extended fully our tester commented on the stability of the Werner ladder.
Test #3: When stretched across two saw horses the Werner ladder remained fairly sturdy. It’s double hinge joints in the middle remained solid in the test. Our tester again commented that the ladder held up to this test but its use in that measure should be limited.
Bottom Line: The Werner series of ladders are solid and reliable. The one problem with the series is that they seem to weigh more than their counterparts. The 22’ model weighs in at 50lbs and the 13’ model weighs in at 35lbs. Still, these ladders are built right, are reasonably priced, and provide a great value.
Our Suggestion: After testing the ladders we came to the conclusion that there isn’t a compelling reason to buy a Little Giant Ladder. Not only do the Gorilla and Werner models offer better overall performance, they also offer better pricing. If you’re in search of a multi-purpose ladder that offers great value, be sure to check out the Werner and Gorilla ladders. They are comparable in quality and can also be found in many varying sizes.
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